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The announcement regarding a deal projected to lead to the freeing captives detained within Gaza for more than 24 months has caused delight and comfort across the nation.

An organization that has advocated for the return of Israeli captives in Gaza expressed “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—which still must be agreed upon Israel’s war cabinet—involves the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 deceased captives in return for 250 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 hostages have been returned—largely through previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been retrieved while eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments at Hostages Square

Jubilant scenes took place in Hostages’ Square located in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered before the agreement’s signing.

The gathering began clapping and moving to music beneath American and Israeli banners—one woman displaying a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“It’s a magical day,” the woman said.

Another, Yael, aged 50, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We need to see their return home to their loved ones.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump announces Gaza deal
• Happiness and sorrow: Palestinians mark the agreement
• EXAMINATION: Major breakthrough, though conflict continues

Families Celebrate with Fireworks

The mother and sister of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker set off fireworks to mark the announcement of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is on his way home!” Einav Zangauker exclaimed while holding her child.

Viki Cohen, the parent of captive Israeli Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

The joy was palpable in the streets in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Say Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced alongside another released captive Romi Gonen, uttering blessings of gratitude, then toasting “To life”, which means “for life”. She has advocated for the freedom of her companions, the Berman twins Gali and Ziv.

Their sibling Liran Berman posted: “My dear Gali and Ziv, I adore you. You are coming back.”

The cousin of Gil Dickman Carmel Gat was taken hostage on 7 October 2023, with her remains found in a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has participated with other captives’ relatives in advocating for a deal which ensures the homecoming of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I hardly believe this is actually happening. We’ve been waiting for such a long time and now it’s here,” he expressed.

He stated he felt “broken” that Carmel would not be among those returning to their homes yet felt “radiant with happiness” for the families of the captives who are finally returning.

Eitan Horn was seized from Nir Oz kibbutz in southern Israel together with his sibling.

Cautious Optimism from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn is still held in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “in a dream”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and everything he has accomplished for us. We feel that this could be the beginning of the end of this ordeal, and hugging Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it remained too soon to rejoice.

“Until the last hostage returns, we won’t open the champagne. We will continue struggling... until it’s over,” she said.

“So many things might occur until the last moment which is why we are extremely cautious. We just want to thank everyone who participated in the efforts and make sure this deal is finalized... We shall rejoice only when the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south along with his brother Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Momentous opportunity’: Global response to initial phase of Gaza agreement
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza peace deal

Israel-Gaza war | The nation | The group